Transformer oil testing based on condition and criticality of the asset, enables the detection of hidden faults, monitoring their progression, and taking action before minor issues become major.
The transformer oil, often referred to as “insulating oil,” serves multiple functions, including cooling, insulating, and protecting the transformer from internal faults. It is stable at high temperatures and is essential for every power system’s health.
Over time, however, the fluid can degrade due to thermal, electrical, and chemical stresses. This degradation can lead to a decrease in the dielectric strength of the fluid, posing a significant risk to the operation and safety of the equipment.
Eurofins TestOil offers comprehensive transformer oil testing services designed to assess and preserve the performance and longevity of transformers. These tests cover transformer oil purity, quality, and chemical composition. Among the standard transformer oil tests are:
1. Dielectric Breakdown Voltage Test: Measures the insulating property of the oil. A low breakdown voltage indicates the presence of contaminants such as moisture, dirt, and dissolved gases.
2. Moisture Content Test (Karl Fischer Titration): Determines the amount of water present in the oil. Moisture in the oil can reduce insulating properties and lead to arcing, which can damage the transformer.
3. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA): Detects and measures the concentration of gases dissolved in the oil. This is a key test for early detection of transformer faults.
4. Furan Analysis: Measures the degradation of the transformer’s paper insulation by detecting Furanic compounds dissolved in the oil. High levels of Furan compounds suggest several factors that can shorten transformer life. [1]
5. Interfacial Tension (IFT): Assesses the quality of the oil and its degradation. It tracks oil contamination and breakdown over time.
6. Acidity Test: Determines the acidity level of the oil. High acidity can lead to corrosion of transformer parts, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
7. Power Factor Test: Measures the leakage current in the oil, which indicates the dielectric loss.
It ensures that the oil maintains good insulating properties.
8. Flash Point Test: Measures the temperature at which the oil will start to vaporize and form a flammable mixture in the air. This indicates whether the oil is safe for operation; a lower flash point may indicate contamination with more volatile substances.
9. Viscosity Test: Determines the oil's resistance to flow. High viscosity can reduce cooling efficiency, leading to overheating.
10. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB): Detects the presence of harmful PCBs. It ensures environmental and safety compliance.[2]
11. Color and Visual Inspection: Assesses the physical appearance of the oil. Visual changes can indicate oxidation, contamination, and/or the presence of sludge.
Testing recommendations include general and physical tests twice a year; Dissolved Gas Analysis once a year; and Furan testing every 2 years for transformers in operation at least 5 years.
Regular testing drives informed decisions that maximize transformer life and support safety measures. For more information on working with Eurofins TestOil for oil analysis and training visit www.testoil.com. To get started with testing, contact: 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com.
About Eurofins TestOil
With more than 30 years of experience in the oil analysis industry, Eurofins TestOil focuses exclusively on assisting industrial facilities with reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unexpected downtime through oil and fuel analysis program implementation. As industry experts in diagnosing oil-related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and diesel generators, Eurofins TestOil provides customers with same-day turnaround on routine oil analysis testing. For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities visit https://testoil.com. Contact: Al Yates 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com.
About Eurofins – the global leader in bio-analysis
Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
With over 61,000 staff across a network of 940 laboratories in 59 countries, Eurofins’ companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.
[1] Furanic compounds, also known as Furan derivatives, are a group of organic chemical compounds that contain a Furan ring in their structure. Among the negative consequences of Furanic compounds in transformer oil are loss of mechanical strength, increased risk of electrical failure, and thermal aging.
[2] PCBs have a persistent and profound environmental impact, from contaminating ecosystems and harming wildlife to posing significant health risks to humans. They are heavily regulated for this reason.
